Living to Glorify God: Embracing Purpose and Repentance

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we focused on the profound truth of our existence and the purpose behind it. We began by acknowledging the sovereignty of God, recognizing that our very breath is a gift from Him, and our lives are meant to glorify Him. This understanding leads us to a place of worship, where every action, whether eating or drinking, is done for His glory. We are reminded that our lives are not our own; they are given to us to reflect His greatness and love.

We delved into the reality of our relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of having a genuine connection with Him. It's not enough to simply attend church or follow religious traditions; we must know Him personally. This relationship is the foundation of our confidence in facing life's uncertainties, including the end of our earthly journey. We explored the concept of repentance, which involves turning away from our self-centered ways and surrendering to God's will. This transformation is not just a decision but a complete change of direction, aligning our lives with His purpose.

The message also addressed the reality of sin and the need for forgiveness. We acknowledged that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, and without His grace, we are lost. However, the incredible love of God is demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who took our place on the cross. This act of love offers us redemption and the opportunity to be reconciled with God. The call to repentance and baptism is a call to embrace this gift of salvation, to die to our old selves, and to rise to a new life in Christ.

Finally, we were challenged to live for God's glory in every season of life, whether in times of blessing or suffering. Our lives should be a testament to His greatness, showing the world that our hope and joy are found in Him alone. This is the essence of discipleship, to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and to make His name known.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Purpose of Life: Our lives are a gift from God, meant to glorify Him in all we do. Every breath and action should reflect His greatness and love. This understanding transforms our daily activities into acts of worship, aligning our lives with His divine purpose. [00:43]

2. Genuine Relationship with God: It's crucial to have a personal relationship with God, beyond religious rituals. This relationship provides confidence and peace, even in the face of life's uncertainties. Knowing God personally is the foundation of our faith and the assurance of our eternal destiny. [07:21]

3. The Reality of Sin and Forgiveness: All have sinned and need God's forgiveness. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love, offering us redemption and reconciliation. Embracing this gift requires repentance and a commitment to live for Him. [30:22]

4. Repentance and Transformation: Repentance is a complete change of direction, turning away from self-centered living to follow God's will. It's not just a decision but a transformation that aligns our lives with His purpose. This involves surrendering control and allowing God to lead. [41:47]

5. Living for God's Glory: In every season of life, whether in blessing or suffering, our lives should testify to God's greatness. Our hope and joy are found in Him alone, and we are called to make His name known through our actions and attitudes. This is the essence of discipleship. [27:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
- [01:00] - Purpose of Life: Glorifying God
- [02:21] - Prayer for Healing and Freedom
- [03:22] - Introduction and Personal Sharing
- [04:53] - Ministry and Discipleship Focus
- [06:26] - Trusting God's Plan
- [07:21] - Importance of a Genuine Relationship with God
- [09:08] - The Heaviness of Eternal Matters
- [10:50] - The Reality of False Teachings
- [12:46] - The Significance of True Repentance
- [14:32] - The Authority of Scripture
- [16:08] - The Majesty of God's Creation
- [21:04] - Created for God's Glory
- [27:11] - Living for God's Glory in All Seasons
- [41:47] - The Call to Repentance and Baptism

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 1:16 - "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him."
2. Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
3. Acts 2:38 - "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

Observation Questions:
1. According to Colossians 1:16, for whom were all things created, and what does this imply about our purpose?
2. In Romans 3:23, what does it mean that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God? How does this relate to our need for forgiveness? [30:22]
3. What does Peter instruct the people to do in Acts 2:38, and what are the promised results of these actions? [41:47]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding that we are created for God (Colossians 1:16) change the way we view our daily activities and purpose in life? [21:04]
2. What are the implications of Romans 3:23 for how we view ourselves and others in terms of sin and the need for grace? [30:22]
3. How does the call to repentance and baptism in Acts 2:38 reflect a complete change of direction in one's life? What does this transformation look like practically? [41:47]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily activities. How can you intentionally glorify God in your routine tasks, such as eating or working? [21:55]
2. Consider your personal relationship with God. What steps can you take to deepen this relationship beyond religious rituals? [07:21]
3. Identify an area in your life where you need to repent and turn towards God's will. What practical steps can you take to make this change? [41:47]
4. How can you live out the reality of God's forgiveness in your interactions with others, especially those who have wronged you? [30:22]
5. In what ways can you testify to God's greatness during both times of blessing and suffering in your life? [27:11]
6. Think of someone in your life who may not know about the gift of salvation through Jesus. How can you share this message with them this week? [37:54]
7. What is one specific action you can take this week to align your life more closely with God's purpose for you? [41:47]

Devotional

Day 1: Living as a Reflection of God's Glory
Our lives are a divine gift, intended to glorify God in every aspect. This understanding transforms mundane activities into acts of worship, aligning our lives with His divine purpose. Recognizing that our very breath is a gift from God, we are called to live in a way that reflects His greatness and love. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centered living to a life that honors God in all we do, whether in our work, relationships, or daily routines. By acknowledging His sovereignty, we find purpose and meaning in every moment, knowing that our lives are meant to be a testament to His glory. [00:43]

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV): "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you transform your daily routine into acts of worship that glorify God?


Day 2: Cultivating a Personal Relationship with God
A genuine relationship with God goes beyond religious rituals and traditions. It is about knowing Him personally and intimately, which provides confidence and peace amidst life's uncertainties. This relationship is the foundation of our faith and the assurance of our eternal destiny. By seeking to know God personally, we build a strong foundation that sustains us through challenges and guides us in our journey. This connection with God is not just about attending church but involves a daily commitment to seek His presence and guidance in our lives. [07:21]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with God today, beyond attending church services?


Day 3: Embracing Forgiveness and Redemption
The reality of sin and the need for forgiveness is a fundamental truth of our faith. All have sinned and fall short of God's glory, but through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we are offered redemption and reconciliation. This incredible act of love provides us with the opportunity to be forgiven and to start anew. Embracing this gift requires repentance and a commitment to live for Him. By acknowledging our need for forgiveness, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace, which enables us to live a life that reflects His love and mercy. [30:22]

Ephesians 1:7-8 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and embrace His grace today?


Day 4: The Transformative Power of Repentance
Repentance is more than just a decision; it is a complete change of direction, turning away from self-centered living to follow God's will. This transformation involves surrendering control and allowing God to lead our lives. By aligning our lives with His purpose, we experience a profound change that impacts every aspect of our being. Repentance is an ongoing process that requires humility and a willingness to let go of our own desires in favor of God's perfect plan. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's love and grace at work within us. [41:47]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to turn away from self-centeredness and align with God's will?


Day 5: Testifying to God's Greatness in All Seasons
Living for God's glory means that our lives should testify to His greatness, regardless of the circumstances we face. Whether in times of blessing or suffering, our hope and joy are found in Him alone. This is the essence of discipleship, to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and to make His name known through our actions and attitudes. By living in a way that reflects God's greatness, we become a beacon of hope and love to those around us, demonstrating that our faith is not dependent on our circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God. [27:11]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: How can you be a testament to God's greatness in your current season of life, whether in blessing or in challenge?

Quotes



"we're breathing right now because of you and only because of you you can take your life back at any time and so we just worship you and thank you for another day another hour we want to use this time Lord if you will we want to use this hour to praise you to use the life that you've given us every breath that you've given us right now Lord just to worship you with that and say God this is why you've given us life is to glorify you" [00:00:30]

"and today the one thing I just want to be so sure of I mean absolutely sure of and I want you to be sure of is that you genuinely have a relationship with God and and and that if this was the last day of your life that you just have absolute confidence going man that would be great that would be great if this was the last day of my life I am so so secure in this my relationship with that Almighty God" [00:07:17]

"do you know him like personally where it has nothing to do with your family if all your family denied Jesus you're the type this is no no I know him and I will follow him regardless of what anyone else says or does that's our thing gosh I hope there are people maybe there's some of you today that you you know what I'm talking about you've just been showing up you've been showing up the church for years but there's something missing in here" [00:09:29]

"you know can it can we help you how can can we cure that can we heal that's what Jesus came he came as this great physician he will return as a judge but right now it's just like now look at your life are these are some symptoms of you may have just talked you know like first John says you know those who say they know him but don't obey his command are liars it just as there's people who say they know him made a decision to know him but they continue in their lifestyle" [00:13:15]

"the Bible says that there's a wide road that leads to destruction and many will enter through it it's a wide easy road and then there's a snare a road that leads to life and few will find it and and so most of the teaching we're gonna get and hear throughout the day is this wide row teaching and we've got to look at the scriptures and say what does it say now last week we talked about god that's where we start why because in the beginning God" [00:14:54]

"you were created by God you were made by him and what the Bible teaches is man somehow you know this it doesn't matter all the lies you've been told that you created yourself or that you were an accident no the Bible says that you were made by him and and there's a sense in which you have no excuse no matter what's been meant when you know taught in class what's been told to you by your parents" [00:16:42]

"we were not created according to Scripture Colossians 1:16 it says that all things were created by him and for him don't miss that word for him why was I created I was created for him I'm not here to say ha look what Francis does okay no I'm saying no look at this being who's keeping this world in motion as we're spinning around and created us so uniquely to where we know that he's there man worship Him worship Him worship Him" [00:21:04]

"and so what else can we do because of the sin on the earth and that curse that we read about in Adam and Eve there's death on this earth there's some of you that are sick right now some of you that are grieving people who are sick right now now I remember as a 12 year old is grieving as my dad was was wasting away of cancer and just going god I don't get it I don't get it but later on you read the scriptures and he understand it's because of our sin and there's an enemy here" [00:25:36]

"and so if we come with this arrogance before God of I deserve let me in because I'm a good person I promise you you're not going to get in the Bible says we've all sinned and fall short of the glory of God and and God has a perfect father he has a punishment for that I don't like to talk about this part okay I mean I hate talking about this to be honest but the bible does say that he created a place for Satan and his demons to punish them" [00:30:32]

"and so many people write me off at this moment ago that doesn't make sense I go that makes total sense it makes sense I got nothing I like it but I get it if I created this world if I'm a creator and I make something and I make these people and I say look I want you to live for me I want you to follow my commands and they don't man I as a creator I have a right to punish this may be more severe than I would have chosen but I don't get it and I just so God you know what you have every right" [00:33:36]

"and you know what Peter's answer was in acts 2 verse 38 the very next verse he did not say pray a prayer he says repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins and you'll received you'll receive the Holy Spirit see people were doing amazing things back then they're like what is this all about he says you know what if you would repent and get baptized you too would be filled with this Holy Spirit he says this promise is for you for your children and for those who are to those who are 2000 years later" [00:41:47]

"repentance as a man I've been going my own direction I see you Jesus wait the Son of God who died for my sins if he's for me who can be against me here here's the keys here's everything I want to follow you here you drive you take me that's repentance I want to go a new directions to render to him that's what baptism was it was to be baptized into his death Jesus says in Matthew 10 he's unless you deny me pick up that and deny yourself pick up your cross and follow me you can't be my follower" [00:43:48]

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Transcript
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